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Compared to all other cities in the United States, Chicago has more Tridentine Latin Masses each Sunday than anywhere else. In fact, Chicago serves as an important base for the Institute of Christ the King Sovereign Priest, a traditional religious order that only offers the Traditional Mass, with most of their US apostolates in driving distance from Chicago.

In no particular order, here are the 5 Most Traditional Catholic Church of Chicago:

1. St. John Cantius (Diocesan)

St. John Cantius is known as one
of the gems of Catholic Tradition in the Conciliar Church. The building
itself has a rich history - it was saved from near closing and has
blossomed into a community of vibrant Faith, Tradition, and Devotion.
The building is known for its beauty, the Liturgies are among some of
the most ornate in the City, and the use of Sacred Polyphany and
Orchestral High Masses make this a truly unique parish of Chicago.

2. Shrine of Christ the King (ICKSP)

The Shrine, like St. John
Cantius, was near closing - in fact, the Shrine of Christ the King was
slated for demolition after a fire ravished the building. As the
neighbor decayed, the former St. Gelatius Church, which was home to the
National Novena to St. Therese on each Tuesday of the week, was all but
certainly lost. In 2006, the building was entrusted to the Institute
of Christ the King by then Cardinal of Chicago, Cardinal George. As a
result of the order's dedication, the building is being restored and the
Faithful who attend the Shrine assist at one of the few locations to
only offer Tridentine Masses - even during the Triduum. The Order's use
of traditions ranging from Candlemas Processions, Blessings of Wine on
the Feast of St. John, Blessings of Epiphany Water, and the like make
this one of the few places to regularly and publicly use the Rituale
Romanum. The vibrant parish life offers several weekly evening Masses
as well as Masses in the evening usually on all 1st Class Feasts, which
is a true rarity! With powerful preaching and doctrinally sound
catechesis, the Shrine of Christ the King has earned a place in our Top 5
List.

Older Image: Source Unknown

Older Image: Source Unknown

Older Image: Source Unknown

Solemn High Mass on Christmas Day

Blessing of the Wine on the Feast of St. John

3. St. Mary of Perpetual Help (Diocesan)

St.
Mary of Perpetual Help is a remarkable structure visible from
Interstate 55. Its huge dome pierces the skyline of the south side of
Chicago in the Bridgeport neighbor and calls all to honor Almighty God.
The Church offers a weekly Tridentine High Mass on Sundays at 8:30 AM,
the earliest Tridentine High Mass offered on a Sunday in the city. The
inside of the Church is vibrantly beautiful with many statues, icons,
and images. The high altar of the Church is one of the most grand high
altars in Chicago and made of some of the highest quality marble - only
St. Adalberts Church might claim to have higher quality marble (though
no Tridentine Mass is offered there). St. Mary's offers Confession
before each Mass that are infrequently attended making it quick and easy
to obtain Confession - not a commonality in the more traditional
Churches. With beautiful music and clear sermons, this parish could be
much busier than it typically is. It's a treasure and all Catholics of
Chicago should make their way here for an 8:30 Sunday High Mass.

Note: Low altar is removed for all Latin Masses.

4. St. Odilo/National Shrine of the Poor Souls (Diocesan)

As
the National Shrine of the Poor Souls, the Faithful who attend Mass
here receive a particular indulgence. The Church, while featuring some
model art and a "low altar", has some truly unique features - a
life-sized and bloody depiction of our Lord after he was taken down from
the Cross in a separate chapel. The Church also has sevearl side
altars and candles throughout in honor of the Poor Souls - you'll see
Traditional Altar missals on them as well. The Church offers a Sunday
Tridentine Mass at 9:30 AM and has a very beautiful schola. Only
downsize - Confessions are not offered immediately before each Mass,
like the other places on this list. But don't let that stop you from
making a visit to St. Odilo's and praying for the poor souls at the
Sunday Latin High Mass. And be ready for Fr. Brankin's inspiring,
clear, and unabashedly Catholic sermons. Of all of the sermons offered
on a given Sunday at a Tridentine Mass, Fr. Brankin's are among the very
best each and every week.

5. Our Lady Immaculate (SSPX)

The Society of St.
Pius X, founded by Archbishop Marcel Lefebvre, was the catalyst for
Traditional Catholicism in the aftermath of the Second Vatican Council.
Without the Society, it is likely that the Tridentine Mass would have
vanished from the earth. This particular chapel of the Society is
located near one of the Society's few priories - this prior is unique as
it is the home of one of the four bishops of the Society - Bishop
Tissier de Mallerais. The Chapel itself is a former protestant building
that has been turned into a Catholic Church. It features an impressive
high altar. Unique among the churches of Chicago, it is the only one
to regularly feature a blessing of religious articles after both Masses
on the Second Sunday of the month. So bring your candles, rosaries,
images, and anything else that needs blessed. The chapel also has
monthly devotions to Our Lady of Sorrows and the pastor is not afraid to
speak candidly on the crisis in the world and the need for Catholics to
stand up for the Truth. You won't hear any psedu-protestantism here.
This chapel is a home for unabasedly Catholic teaching and is home to a
truly multicultural congregation of Caucasians, African Americans,
Hispanics, Asians, and others - showing that the Church truly transcends
cultures. And yet, all come together and worship in a common tongue of
Latin.

I was recently contacted by the author of a new book entitled The Five Beasts of St. Hildegard: Prophetic Symbols of Modern Society. It's an interpretation of her vision of the last days.
There are few books about St. Hildegard that are written from a Catholic perspective. Also the author admits, "Credible books on Catholic prophecy are few as they tend to collect and collate various prophecies, some anonymous, and over-speculate on their meaning. This book takes a single prophecy from an original manuscript and compares it to modern history. I uncover a remarkable resemblance between them."

Mr. Turner's work is insightful and compelling. It is an easy read, taking only a few hours to get through. The author approaches his work by presenting the facts, which do show a correlation between the visions of St. Hiledgard and the time leading up to the end of the world. Most importantly, the author does not force these conclusions; rather, he presents objective facts and thereby after establishing facts does he then even attempt to draw a conclusion.

All in all, its a good book, presenting the facts which indicate that our world is in the midst of the prophecies of St. Hildegard on the last ages of the world.

PRAYERS FOR THE CHURCH UNITY OCTAVEJanuary 18 through 25 Official Octave Prayer (to be recited daily)

ANTIPHON: That they all may be one, as Thou, Father, in Me and I in Thee; that they also maybe one in Us; that the world may believe that Thou hast sent Me. (John 17:21)

V. I say unto thee that thou art Peter,R. And upon this Rock I will build My Church.

Let us pray: O Lord Jesus Christ, Who saidst untoThine Apostles peace I leave with you, Mypeace I give unto you, regard not our sins, but the faith of Thy Church, and vouchsafe to grantunto Her that peace and unity which are agreeable to Thy Will Who livest and reignest, God,forever and ever Amen

First Day of the Octave (January 18th) The Feast of St. Peter's Chair at Rome.

Intention of the Day: the return of the "other sheep" to the One Fold of Christ.

Prayer for the Return of the Other Sheep

Priest: Let us pray: O God, in Thy mercy thou dost set aright those who have gone astray andThou dost save those whom Thou hast gathered together. We beseech Thee to pour down uponall Christian people the grace of union with Thee, so that putting aside disunion and attachingthemselves to the true shepherd of Thy Church, they may be able to serve Thee humbly andlovingly. Through Christ Our Lord. People: Amen.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Priest and People: O Immaculate Virgin, who wast preserved by a singular privilege of gracefrom original sin, look down with pity upon our separated brethren, who are still thy children,and call them back to the Center of Unity. Many have, even from afar, preserved a most tenderdevotion towards thee, O Mother; reward them for their devotion by obtaining for them the graceof conversion. Victorious over the powers of hell from the very first moment of thine existence,renew, now that the necessity is more urgent, thy triumphant progress, as in ages past. Glorifythy Son, O Mother, by bringing back to the One Fold His straying sheep. And may it be thyglory, O Virgin Mary, to banish error from the earth, to put an end to disunity and to restorepeace to the world. Amen.

Priest: Our Lady of the Atonement intercede for us.

People:That there may be fulfilled the prayer of thy Divine Son, "That all may be one."

Prayer to St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles

Priest: O glorious St. Peter, as a reward for thy lively and generous faith, thy profound andsincere humility, and thy ardent love, thou wast singled out by Our Lord and endowed with mostspecial privileges. Thou wast also constituted Prince of the Apostles with primacy over thewhole Church, of which thou wert made the Rock and Foundation. Obtain for us, we pray, alively faith and an ardent zeal so that all of us will labor for the return of our separated brethren.May the desire of Our Divine Redeemer, that there might be but "one Fold and one Shepherd,"be for us, as it wast for thee, the inspiration to work and pray for the return of all those who arestill outside the Fold. Strengthened by Divine Grace, may they be led back speedily to the bosomof our common Mother, the Catholic Church. People: Amen.

Second Day of the Octave (January 19th)

Intention of the day: The return of Oriental Separatists to Communion with the Apostolic See

Prayer for the Reunion of the East and West

Priest: Let us Pray. O Lord, Who hast united all nations in the confession of Thy name, we prayThee for the Christian peoples of the East. Mindful of the eminent place they have held in ThyChurch, we beg of Thee to inspire them to occupy it again, so as to form with us one single fold.Grant that they, together with ourselves, may be penetrated with the teaching of those holydoctors of theirs, who are also our Fathers in the Faith. Grant us that the spirit of peace andcharity, which is the mark of Thy presence among the faithful, may hasten the day in which theirprayers may be united with ours, so that every people and every tongue may acknowledge andglorify Our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son. People: Amen.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Priest and People: O Immaculate Virgin Mary, we thy servants and children, full of confidence inthy powerful protection, humbly beseech thee to implore of the Holy Ghost the abundance of Hisgifts for our brethren, the separated Christians of the East. Enlightened by His vivifying grace,may they return to the bosom of the Catholic Church. We pray also that our Oriental brethren,once more united to us by the indissoluble bonds of the same faith and the same charity, may,with us, glorify by the practice of good works the most august Trinity, and at the same time payhomage to thee, O Virgin Mother of God, full of grace, now and forever. Amen.Priest: Our Lady of the Atonement intercede for us.

People:That there may be fulfilled the prayer of thy Divine Son, "That all may be one."

Prayer to the Fathers of the Eastern Church

Priest: O glorious martyrs, Saint Ignatius of Antioch and Saint Polycarp of Smyrna, and thou,illustrious Doctors of the Church, Saint Athanasius, Saint John Chrysostom and Saint Basil, whoworked and suffered so much for the purity of faith and the salvation of the souls entrusted to thypaternal care, look down from heaven upon thy beloved Eastern countries, which, forgetful ofthy teaching and example, live now separated from the body of the true Church. By thy powerfulintercession, O holy Eastern Fathers, obtain for all separated Oriental Christians the grace toreturn to the Center of Unity, and to form with us one and the same family, in Christ Jesus, OurLord. People: Amen.

Third Day of the Octave (January 20th)

Intention of the day: The conversion of the Anglicans.

Prayer for the Conversion of England

Priest: Let us pray. O Jesus, Good Shepherd, look down benignly upon the great and nobleEnglish nation. Converted to Thee through the labors of St. Augustine and his companions, itwas for many centuries rich in fruits of faith and sanctity. So devoted was this nation to Thy holyand Immaculate Mother that it was known throughout Christendom as the "Dowry of Mary."When it was separated from Thee in cruel fashion, many hundreds of its people willingly shedtheir blood in testimony of their loyalty to Thee and Thy Church. O Loving Shepherd of souls,recall this great nation once more to the unity of Thy Church, and grant peace of soul to all thosenow separated from Thy flock. People: Amen.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Priest and People: O Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, and our own most gentle Queen andMother, look down in mercy upon England, thy Dowry, and upon us all who greatly hope andtrust in thee. Through thee it was that Jesus our Savior and our Hope was given unto the world;and He has given thee to us that we might hope still more. Plead for us thy children, whom thoudidst receive and accept at the foot of the Cross, O sorrowful Mother. Intercede for our separatedEnglish brethren, that they may be united with us in the One True Fold. Pray for us all, dearMother, that by faith fruitful in good works we may all deserve to see and praise God togetherwith Thee in our heavenly home. Amen.

Priest: Our Lady of the Atonement intercede for us.

People:That there may be fulfilled the prayer of thy Divine Son, "That all may be one."

Prayer to the English Martyrs

Priest: O Glorious Martyrs of England, Saint Thomas More, Saint John Fisher and thycompanions, who, to sustain the voice of the Supreme Head of the True Church against thedecrees of your rulers, didst willingly and courageously suffer death, pray now that the greatnation to which thou didst belong may once more return to the bosom of the Church from whichit was so cruelly wrested. People: Amen.

Fourth Day of the Octave (January 21st)

Intention of the day: That the Lutherans and other Protestants of continental Europe may find their way back to Holy Church.

Prayer for the Conversion of Protestants

Priest: Let us pray. O most beloved Lord Jesus Christ, Who hast redeemed the world at the priceof Thy Most Precious Blood, look down in Thy mercy upon the Christian peoples of Europe,who are still outside Thy Fold, and let the full blaze of the light of Thy truth shine upon them.Multiply, O God, the true messengers of Thy Gospel, inspire them with fervor, make themfruitful in good works, and bless with Thy grace their zeal and their labors, so that the separatedChristians of Europe may be fully converted to Thee, their Creator and Redeemer. Recall thestray sheep to Thy Fold, and the wanderers to the bosom of Thy one true Church. Hasten, Odearest Savior, the happy advent of Thy Kingdom on earth, draw all men to the treasures of ThySacred Heart, so that all may share in the priceless benefits of Thy Redemption in the eternalhappiness of Heaven. People: Amen.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Priest and People: O Mary, Mother of Mercy and Refuge of Sinners, we beseech thee to lookwith pitying eyes upon the Protestant peoples of Europe. O Seat of Wisdom, enlighten theirminds, so that they may come to know that the Catholic Church is the one, True Church ofChrist. Complete their conversion by obtaining for them the grace to believe every truth of ourHoly Faith. Once more united to us by the bonds of divine charity, they will sing with us foreverthy glorious praises. "Rejoice, O Virgin Mary, thou alone hast destroyed all error in the wholeworld." Amen.

Priest: Our Lady of the Atonement intercede for us.

People:That there may be fulfilled the prayer of thy Divine Son, "That all may be one."

Prayer to St. Agnes on her feast

Priest: O singular example of virtue, glorious Saint Agnes, the lively faith that animated theefrom thy childhood rendered thee so acceptable to God that thou didst merit the crown ofmartyrdom. Obtain for us, we pray, the grace to preserve entire in our hearts the Catholic Faith,and to seek the conversion to the faith of our Christian brethren now separated from us, so thatall may become Christians not only in word but also in deed. Pray for us today that, as weconfess Jesus openly in the face of men, Jesus may give favorable testimony of us before HisFather in heaven. People: Amen.

Fifth Day of the Octave (January 22nd)

Intention of the Day: That Protestants in America may become one in union with the Chair of Saint Peter.

Prayer for the Conversion of America

Priest: Let us pray. O Lord Jesus Christ, grant unto all Thy servants, but especially to the peopleof our own nation, the grace of being fully united to Thee in Thy Church. O Divine Redeemer, ofWhom the prophet sang "all the kings of the earth shall adore Him and all the nations shall serveHim," extend Thy Kingdom over the entire human race, but especially over our own belovedcountry. Grant in Thy mercy that the people of our land may be converted to Thee, and humblyand lovingly serve Thee. This we ask, O Savior, through the intercession of Thy ImmaculateMother, the benevolent patroness and protectress of our country. People: Amen.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Priest and People: Most Holy Virgin, who wast pleasing to the Lord and became His Mother,Immaculate in body and spirit, in faith and in love, look down kindly upon us poor sinners. Wenow implore thy powerful patronage for all the people of our beloved land. The wicked serpent,against whom the first curse was hurled, continues fiercely to attack and ensnare the unhappychildren of Eve. O Blessed Mother, our Queen and our advocate, who crushed the head of theenemy from the very first moment of thine existence, receive from us the prayers which weimplore thee to present at the throne of God. Pray that we may never fall into the snares laid outfor us, and that we may all arrive at the port of salvation. May the Church and Christian society,now in so many dangers, sing once again the hymn of deliverance, of victory, and of peace.Amen.

Priest: Our Lady of the Atonement intercede for us.

People:That there may be fulfilled the prayer of thy Divine Son, "That all may be one."

Prayer to Saint John the Baptist

Priest: O most zealous messenger of God, Saint John the Baptist, while thou didst work nomiracles on others, thou didst draw after thee crowds, to prepare them to receive Our Saviorworthily and to listen to His heavenly teaching. This thou didst do sole!y by the example of thyholy life and the practice of every good work. Pray that we also may receive the grace to leadmany souls to God, but, above all, the souls of those who are still outside the One Fold in ourown beloved country. People: Amen.

Sixth Day of the Octave (January 23rd)

Intention of the Day: The return to the Sacraments of lapsed Catholics.

Prayer for Lapsed Catholics:

Priest: Let us pray. O Almighty Father, Who desirest not the death of the sinner,but rather that hebe converted and live pour out upon us thy mercy and listen to the prayers of Thy servants.Soften the hearts of those children of Thine who have strayed from the true paths, which Thoudidst establish for their salvation. They are now forgetful of their duties as Catholics and pursueonly the transitory pleasures of the world. Grant that they may speedily return to the practice ofevery Christian virtue, so that their fives may shine with the integrity of faith, the fervor of piety,and the ardor of charity. Restore all of them to Thy Sacraments and to the life of Thy grace,through the merits of the Most Precious Blood of Thy Son, Our Savior Jesus Christ. People:Amen

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Priest and People: O Mother of Jesus Christ and our Mother, we pray thee to obtain for us thegrace of serving God faithfully in this world that we may have the happiness of loving Himeternally in heaven. Hear the prayers that we address to thee, O Mother; defend us against theenemies of our salvation, and against our own infirmities. Obtain for us pardon for our sins andperseverance in the determination never to fall away again. We implore thee to take under thyprotection those who have abandoned the practice of their Catholic duties. May they beconverted again and become faithful servants of thy Son. O Mother of Mercy, be for us all "thecause of our joy" and show unto us Jesus Christ, thy Son, as thy gift to us both for time and foreternity. Amen.

Priest: Our Lady of the Atonement intercede for us.

People:That there may be fulfilled the prayer of thy Divine Son, "That all may be one."

Prayer to Saint Peter

Priest: O glorious Saint Peter, Prince of the Apostles and firm foundation of the Church, obtainfor us a lively faith, which we may openly and fearlessly profess in its integrity and purity, even,if need be, to the shedding of our blood. Obtain for us also a true love of our Holy Mother theChurch, and make us zealous in the fulfillment of our religious duties. We pray to you today tointercede for those who have wandered from the Church which Christ established for theirsalvation. May they receive from Almighty God, through your intercession, the grace to returnspeedily to their Father's love, so that they may enjoy here on earth peace and tranquillity, andone day attain everlasting happiness in heaven. People: Amen.

Seventh Day of the Octave (January 24th)

Intention of the day: Conversion of the Jews.

Prayer for the Conversion of the Jews:

Priest: Let us pray. O God, Who dost manifest Thy mercy and compassion towards all peoples,have mercy upon the Jewish race, once Thy Chosen People. Thou didst select them alone out ofall the nations of the world to be the custodians of Thy sacred teachings. From them Thou didstraise up Prophets and Patriarchs to announce the coming of the Redeemer. Thou didst will thatThine only Son, Jesus Christ Our Lord and Savior, should be a Jew according to the flesh, bornof a Jewish maiden in the Land of Promise. Listen to the prayers we offer Thee today for theconversion of the Jewish people. Grant that they may come safely to a knowledge and love ofOur Lord Jesus Christ, the Messiah foretold by their Prophets, and that they may walk with us inthe way of salvation. People: Amen.

Prayer of the Congregation of Our Lady of Sion

Priest and People: God of all goodness and Father of mercies, we beseech Thee, through theImmaculate Heart of Mary, and by the intercession of the Patriarchs and holy Apostles, to cast alook of compassion upon the children of Israel, that they may be brought to the knowledge of ouronly Savior, Jesus Christ, and may partake of the precious fruits of the Redemption. "Father,forgive them, for they know not what they do." Amen.

Priest: Our Lady of the Atonement intercede for us.

People:That there may be fulfilled the prayer of thy Divine Son, "That all may be one."Prayer to Saint Paul

Priest: O holy Apostle Paul of Tarsus, from thy glorious place in heaven, look down upon therace thou didst love so well. True it is that many of them remained deaf to thy ringing words oftruth, and that some of them even stirred up persecution against thee and thy fellow believers, butthou wert so devoted to thy people that thou didst will to become a castaway for the sake of theirconversion. Now that thou art glorious in heaven, obtain for thy brethren the grace of repentanceand conversion, so that they may finally take their rightful place in the great family of theCatholic Church. People: Amen. Eighth Day of the Octave (January 25th)

Eighth Day of the Octave (January 25th) Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul

Intention of the day: The Missionary Conquest of the World for Christ.

Prayer for the Conversion of Our Brethren

Priest: Let us pray. Eternal God, Creator of all things, remember that the souls of unbelievershave been created by Thee, and formed to Thine own image and likeness. Behold, O Lord, howto Thy dishonor hell is being filled with these same souls. Remember, O God, that for theirsalvation Thy Son Jesus Christ underwent a most cruel death. Do not permit, O Lord, that ThyDivine Son be any longer despised by unbelievers; but be appeased by the prayers of the Saintsand of the Church, the Spouse of Thy most holy Son, and forgetting their idolatry and unbelief,grant that they may at last come to acknowledge Thy Son Jesus Christ, Who is our Salvation,Life and Resurrection, through Whom we have been saved and redeemed; to Whom be gloryforever and ever. People: Amen.

Prayer to the Blessed Virgin Mary

Priest and People: O Blessed Mother of God, whose stainless heart is full of mercy andcompassion, look down in pity upon those who have not yet heard the tidings of the Gospel.Remember that they are the work of the hands of thy Son that they have been created in Hisimage and redeemed by His Most Precious Blood. Obtain for these poor brethren of ours theknowledge of our Holy Faith, and the grace to love, embrace, and to practice it faithfully.Intercede at the throne of the Most High, O Mother, that many more missionaries may be sent topagan lands, there to win souls for thy Divine Son. O Virgin Mother of God, pray that all of usmay soon be united in one and the same hope, and in one and the same love. Attentive to thewords of thy Divine Son, may we dwell in peace and happiness in the Church He instituted forour salvation. Amen.

Priest: Our Lady of the Atonement intercede for us.

People:That there may be fulfilled the prayer of thy Divine Son, "That all may be one."Prayer to Saint Paul

Priest: O glorious Saint Paul, from a persecutor of the Christian name thou didst become anApostle of burning zeal, and in order that Jesus Christ might become known to the furthermostbounds of the earth, thou didst joyfully suffer imprisonment, scourging, stoning, shipwreck, andevery kind of persecution. Obtain for us now the grace to pray at all times for those who have notas yet been blessed with the gift of faith. Help us to use all our strength for the conversion ofthose who have not as yet heard the Name of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. People: Amen.

Let the just feast, and rejoice before God: and be delighted with gladness. * Let God arise, and let His enemies be scattered: and let them that hate Him flee from before His face.
(Psalm 67:4,2 from the Introit of Mass)

Even though these holy saints lived and suffered marytrdom nearly 2,000 years ago, we would do well by recalling their holiness each year on their feastday of January 19th. It is a modern error to regard only the most recent saints or most recent events as applicable to us - we can learn from the lives of all of the saints from all times.

Marius, a Persian of noble birth, came to Rome, under the emperor
Claudius, to venerate the sepulchers of the martyrs in the company of
his wife Martha, a noble lady, and their two sons Audifax and Abachum.
There they ministered to the Christians in prison, maintaining them both
by their wealth and their own personal service, and buried the bodies
of the saints. They were all accordingly arrested, and since they could
not be induced by fear or threats to sacrifice to the gods, they were
first beaten with clubs, then dragged about with ropes, burnt with hot
iron plates and torn with hooks. Lastly their hands were cut off and
tied about their necks, and they were led through the city and by the
Via Cornelia to the place called Nymphe, thirteen miles from Rome, where
they were put to death. The first to die was Martha, who had earnestly
exhorted her husband and sons to bear their suffering with constancy for
the faith of Jesus Christ. Then the others were beheaded in the same
sandpit, and their bodies were thrown into the fire. Felicitas, a noble
Roman matron, took them when they were half burned and buried them in
her own estate.

INTROIT
Behold, the Lord, the Ruler, is come. He has dominion over all, and in His hand is power and might.
Ps. 71:2. O God, with Your judgment endow the king, and with Your justice, the kings son.
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT - O God, who by the star this day revealed Your only-begotten Son to all nations, grant that we, who know You now by faith, may be brought one day before the vision of Your majesty. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

LESSON
Isa. 60:1-6
Arise, be enlightened, O Jerusalem: for thy light is come, and the glory of the Lord is risen upon thee. For behold darkness shall cover the earth, and a mist the people: but the Lord shall arise upon thee, and his glory shall be seen upon thee. And the Gentiles shall walk in thy light, and kings in the brightness of thy rising. Lift up thy eyes round about, and see: all these are gathered together, they are come to thee: thy sons shall come from afar, and thy daughters shall rise up at thy side. Then shalt thou see, and abound, and thy heart shall wonder and be enlarged, when the multitude of the sea shall be converted to thee, the strength of the Gentiles shall come to thee. The multitude of camels shall cover thee, the dromedaries of Madian and Epha: all they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense: and shewing forth praise to the Lord.

GRADUAL
All they from Saba shall come, bringing gold and frankincense, and showing forth praise to the Lord.
V. Arise and be enlightened, O Jerusalem, for the glory of the Lord is risen upon you.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. Matt. 2:2
We have seen His star in the East and have come with gifts to worship the Lord.
Alleluia.

GOSPEL
Matthew 2:1-12
Now when Jesus therefore was born in Bethlehem of Juda, in the days of king Herod, behold, there came wise men from the East to Jerusalem, saying: "Where is he that is born king of the Jews? For we have seen his star in the East, and are come to adore him." And king Herod hearing this, was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. And assembling together all the chief priests and the scribes of the people, he inquired of them where Christ should be born. But they said to him: "In Bethlehem of Juda. For so it is written by the prophet: 'And thou Bethlehem the land of Juda art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come forth the captain that shall rule my people Israel.' " Then Herod, privately calling the wise men learned diligently of them the time of the star which appeared to them; And sending them into Bethlehem, said: Go and diligently inquire after the child, and when you have found him, bring me word again, that I also may come and adore him.

Who having heard the king, went their way; and behold the star which they had seen in the East, went before them, until it came and stood over where the child was. And seeing the star they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, (here, genuflect) and falling down they adored him: and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh. And having received an answer in sleep that they should not return to Herod, they went back another way into their country.

OFFERTORY
Ps. 71:10-11
The kings of Tharsis and the isles shall offer gifts; the kings of Arabia and Saba shall pay Him homage, all nations shall serve Him.

SECRET
O Lord, look with favor upon the gifts offered by Your Church. It is not gold, frankincense, and myrrh that is offered now, but the King, God and Saviour, who was signified by these gifts, is Himself our Sacrifice and our Food, Jesus Christ Your Son, our Lord; who lives and rules with You . . .

COMMUNION
Matthew 2:2
We have seen His star in the East and have come with gifts to worship the Lord.
POST COMMUNION - O Almighty God, grant that we may understand with pure minds the revelation of Christ which we here solemnly commemorate. Through Our Lord . . .

Each year I have made what I call "Catholic Resolutions." These New Years Resolutions are not centered on losing weight, eating more healthy, or the like. Rather, these resolutions each year are centered around my spiritual life. I encourage all of you to make resolutions specifically geared on improving your own Faith life and your own knowledge of the Faith. Ask yourself:

1. Do I know the Faith that I profess to believe in? If not, how can I learn more? For example, CatechismClass.com has an ideal Adult Course just for this purpose.
2. Am I truly living a Catholic life? Am I learning more prayers? Am I helping others to learn the Faith and live it out? Do I regularly receive the Sacraments?
3. Do you struggle with certain sins or addictions?
4. Do you need to make more donations to Catholic organizations or pro-life charities?

This is the time of year to truly set Catholic Resolutions which will have eternal repercussions.

I will begin with reviewing my 2014 Resolutions:2014 Catholic Resolutions
1. Continue to pray the Rosary Daily
2. Pray the Divine Office at least 1X Daily
3. Network with 10 more Traditional Catholics
4. Receive the rank ofSquire in the Order of Knight of our Lady and make progress in my study towards the rank of Donate
5. Bi-Weekly Confession to help conquer old habits2014 Catholic Resolutions

1. Overall, I did well on the first goal. I did not pray the Rosary daily but I did go through periods of time where I did and other weeks I managed to pray it 4-5 times.
2. I made strong progress in this from August to present. (see point #4)
3. I made limited progress with this. It is difficult to meet people in person due to timing and a host of other issues. Last year when I was going to, I had situations where I got lost and another one where I got in an accident on the way. But I did made at least electronic contact with more than 10 Traditional Catholics.
4. This goal was met in early August.
5. I did not always make bi-weekly Confession but I did not go more than one month without its reception.

So, now, here are my 2015 Catholic Resolutions

1. Bi-Weekly Confession to help conquer old habits
2. Progress in the the rank ofSquire in the Order of Knight of our Lady and make progress in my study towards the rank of Donate. This will include three parts: a. Daily Divine Office recitation b. Weekly Rosary for the order c. Saturday Mass attendance
3. Read 3 Books to help improve my own prayer life, with one of them being during Lent (as per the Rule of St. Benedict for his monks).

Coronation of the Virgin with St. Catherine of Alexandria, St. John the Evangelist, St. John the Baptist

Just as I mentioned yesterday on the Octave Day of St. Stephen, very
little information is readily available on the Internet for the
celebrations that were part of Catholic Calendar before the 1950s, when
changes to the Missal became more profound.

For the first half of the 20th
century, octaves were ranked in the following manner, which affected
holding other celebrations within their time frames:

Privileged Octaves

Privileged Octaves of the First Order

Octave of Easter

Octave of Pentecost

Privileged Octaves of the Second Order

Octave of Epiphany

Octave of Corpus Christi

Privileged Octaves of the Third Order

Octave of Christmas

Octave of the Ascension

Octave of the Sacred Heart

Common Octaves

Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM

Octave of the Solemnity of St. Joseph

Octave of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Octave of Saints Peter and Paul

Octave of All Saints

Octave of the Assumption of the BVM

Simple Octaves

Octave of St. Stephen

Octave of St. John the Apostle

Octave of the Holy Innocents

INTROIT Ecclesiasticus 15: 5

In the midst of the Church the Lord
opened his mouth: and filled him with the spirit of wisdom and
understanding: He clothed him with a robe of glory.. (Ps. 91: 2) It is
good to give praise to the Lord: and to sing to Thy Name, O Most High.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen. Repeat In the midst of the Church…

COLLECT

Of Thy goodness, O Lord, shine upon Thy
Church, that, enlightened by the teachings of blessed John, Thy Apostle
and Evangelist, she may attain to everlasting gifts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world without end. Amen.

Commemoration of the Holy Innocents

O God, Whose praise the Innocents, Your martyrs, this day proclaimed,
not by speaking, but by dying, put to death in us all the wickedness of
sin, so that Your faith which our tongue professes may be proclaimed
also by our life. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and
reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world
without end. R. Amen.

Commemoration of St Thomas of Canterbury

God, for Whose Church the glorious Bishop Thomas fell by the swords of
wicked men, grant, we beseech Thee, that all who implore his help may
obtain the effect of their petition leading to salvation. Through Jesus
Christ our Lord, Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the
unity of the Holy Ghost, God, Forever and ever. R. Amen.

EPISTLE Ecclesiasticus 15: 1-6

Lesson from the Book of Wisdom. He that
feareth God will do good: and he that possesseth justice shall lay hold
on her, and she will meet him as an honorable mother. With the bread of
life and understanding she shall feed him and give him the water of
wholesome wisdom to drink: and she shall be made strong in him, and he
shall not be moved: and she shall hold him fast, and he shall not be
confounded: and she shall exalt him among his neighbors, and in the
midst of the Church she shall open his mouth, and shall fill him with
the spirit of wisdom and understanding, and shall clothe him with a robe
of glory. The Lord our God shall heap upon him a treasure of joy and
gladness, and shall cause him to inherit an everlasting name.

GRADUAL/ALLELUIA John 21: 23, 19

This saying therefore went abroad among
the brethren, that that disciple should not die. And Jesus did not say:
He should not die. V. But: So I will have him to remain until I come:
follow thou Me.

Alleluia, alleluia. V. (John 21: 24) This
is that disciple who giveth testimony of these things: and we know that
his testimony is true. Alleluia.

GOSPEL John 21: 19-24

At that time Jesus said to Peter: Follow Me. Peter turning about saw that disciple whom Jesus loved
following, who also leaned on His breast at supper and said: Lord, who
is he that shall betray Thee? Him therefore when Peter had seen, he
saith to Jesus: Lord, and what shall this man do? Jesus saith to him: So
I will have him to remain till I come, what is it to thee? Follow thou
Me. This saying therefore went abroad among the brethren, that that
disciple should not die. And Jesus did not say to him: He should not
die; but: So I will have him to remain till I come: what is it to thee?
This is that disciple who giveth testimony of these things, and hath
written these things: and we know that he testimony is true.

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Psalm 92: 15

The just shall flourish like the palm tree: he shall be multiplied like the cedar that is in Libanus.

SECRET

Receive, O Lord, the gifts we bring to
Thee on the feast of him, by whose pleading we hope to be delivered.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God Forever and ever. R.Amen.

Commemoration of the Holy Innocents

Let not the gracious prayer of Your saints fail us, O Lord, but may
it make our offerings acceptable to You and obtain for us Your
mercy. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth
with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one God, world without
end. R. Amen.

Commemoration of St Thomas of Canterbury

Sanctify, O Lord, the offerings dedicated to Thee, and, by the
intercession of blessed Thomas, Thy martyr and bishop, look upon us with
mercy for the sake of them. Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son. Who
liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God
Forever and ever. R.Amen.

PREFACE of the Apostles

It is truly meet and just, right and for
our salvation, to entreat Thee humbly, O Lord, that Thou woulds not
desert Thy flock. O everlasting Shepherd; but through Thy blessed
Apostles, wouldst keep it under Thy constant protection; that it may be
governed by those same rulers, whom as vicars of Thy work, Thou didst
set over it to be its pastors. And therefore with Angels and Archangels,
with Thrones and Dominations, and with all the hosts of the heavenly
army, we sing the hymn of The glory, evermore saying:

COMMUNICANTES For the Nativity of Our Lord

Communicating, and keeping this most holy
day, on which the spotless virginity of blessed Mary brought forth a
Savior to this world; and also reverencing the memory first of the same
glorious Mary, ever Virgin, Mother of the same our God and Lord Jesus
Christ: as also of the blessed Apostles and Martyrs Peter and Paul,
Andrew, James, John, Thomas, James, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Simon,
and Thaddeus; Linus, Cletus, Clement, Xystus, Cornelius, Cyprian,
Lawrence, Chrysogonus, John and Paul, Cosmas and Damian, and of all Thy
Saints, through whose merits and prayers, grant that we may in all
things be defended by the help of Thy protection. Through the same
Christ our Lord. Amen.

COMMUNION ANTIPHON John 21: 23

This saying therefore went abroad among
the brethren, that that disciple should not die. And Jesus did not say:
He should not die; but: So I will have him to remain until I come.

POSTCOMMUNION

We who have been refreshed by heavenly
food and drink, humbly entreat Thee, O our God, that we may be
strengthened also by the prayers of him, in whose commemoration we have
received them. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God Forever and
ever. R. Amen.

Commemoration of the Holy Innocents

We have partaken, O Lord, of the dedicated gifts: may they , we
beseech You, help us through the intercession of Your saints both for
this life and life eternal. Through Jesus Christ, thy Son our Lord, Who
liveth and reigneth with thee, in the unity of the Holy Ghost, ever one
God, world without end. R. Amen.

Commemoration of St Thomas of Canterbury

May this communion, O Lord, cleanse us from guilt and, by the
intercession of blessed Thomas, Thy martyr and bishop, make us the
companions of Him Who is our heavenly healing. Through our Lord Jesus
Christ, Who livest and reignest, with God the Father, in the unity of
the Holy Ghost, one God For ever and ever. R. Amen.

INTROIT
At the name of Jesus every knee should bend of those in heaven, on earth, and under the earth, and every tongue should confess that the Lord Jesus Christ is in the glory of the Father.
Ps. 8:2. O Lord, our Lord, how glorious is Your name over all the earth!
V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT - O God, it was You who conferred the name of Jesus upon Your only-begotten Son, the Savior of the world. Grant that by venerating His holy name on earth we may enjoy His presence in heaven. Through the same Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and rules with You in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God forever and ever.

EPISTLE
Acts 4:8-12
In those days, Peter, filled with the Holy Ghost, said to them: "Ye princes of the people and ancients, hear. If we this day are examined concerning the good deed done to the infirm man, by what means he hath been made whole: Be it known to you all and to all the people of Israel, that by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ of Nazareth, whom you crucified, whom God hath raised from the dead, even by him, this man standeth here before you, whole.
" This is the stone which was rejected by you the builders, which is become the head of the corner. Neither is there salvation in any other. For there is no other name under heaven given to men, whereby we must be saved."

GRADUAL
Save us, O Lord our God, and gather us from among the nations that we may give thanks to Your holy name and glory in praising You.
V. You, O Lord, are our Father, our Redeemer. From eternity is Your name.

GOSPEL
Luke 2:21
At that time, after eight days were accomplished, that the child should be circumcised, his name was called JESUS, which was called by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

Adoration of the Holy Name of Jesus - by El Greco

OFFERTORY
Ps. 85:12, 5
I will praise You, O Lord my God, with all my heart, and I will glorify Your name forever. For You, O Lord, are sweet and mild, abounding in kindness to all who call upon You, alleluia!

SECRET
May Your blessing, O most merciful God, which makes all creation flourish, sanctify this our sacrifice, which we offer You to the glory of the Name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ, and may it be pleasing to Your majesty as an act of praise and be profitable to us for our salvation.
Through the same Jesus Christ, thy Son, Our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end.
R. Amen.

COMMUNION
Ps. 85:9-10
All the nations You have made shall come and worship You, O Lord, and glorify Your name. For great You are and do wondrous deeds. You alone are God. Alleluia!
POST COMMUNION - O Almighty and eternal God, who created and redeemed us, graciously hear our petitions. Receive kindly and favorably this saving Sacrificial Victim, which we have offered to Your majesty in honor of the name of Your Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Pour out Your grace upon us, that we may rejoice to see our names written in heaven under the glorious name of Jesus, who is the pledge of our eternal predestination. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

Very little information is readily available on the Internet for the celebrations that were part of Catholic Calendar before the 1950s, when changes to the Missal became more profound. The 1962 Roman Catholic Missal does not include some of these older celebrations (e.g. the Octave Days for all Octaves except Christmas, Pentecost, and Easter).

For the first half of the 20th
century, octaves were ranked in the following manner, which affected
holding other celebrations within their time frames:

Privileged Octaves

Privileged Octaves of the First Order

Octave of Easter

Octave of Pentecost

Privileged Octaves of the Second Order

Octave of Epiphany

Octave of Corpus Christi

Privileged Octaves of the Third Order

Octave of Christmas

Octave of the Ascension

Octave of the Sacred Heart

Common Octaves

Octave of the Immaculate Conception of the BVM

Octave of the Solemnity of St. Joseph

Octave of the Nativity of St. John the Baptist

Octave of Saints Peter and Paul

Octave of All Saints

Octave of the Assumption of the BVM

Simple Octaves

Octave of St. Stephen

Octave of St. John the Apostle

Octave of the Holy Innocents

INTROIT Psalms 118: 23, 86

For princes sat, and spoke against me:
but thy servant was employed in thy justifications. All thy statutes are
truth: they have persecuted me unjustly, do thou help me. (Ps. 118: 1)
Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the Lord.
v. Glory be to the Father and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost, as it
was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen.Repeat For princes sat…

COLLECT

O Almighty and everlasting God, Who didst
consecrate the first-fruits of the martyrs in the blood of the blessed
Levite Stephen: grant, we beseech Thee, that he may intercede for us,
who entreated even for his persecutors, our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son.
Who liveth and reigneth with Thee. in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God,
world without end. R.Amen.

Commemoration of St John

Of Thy goodness, O Lord, shine upon Thy Church, that, enlightened by the
teachings of blessed John, Thy Apostle and Evangelist, she may attain
to everlasting gifts. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth
and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God, world
without end. Amen.

Commemoration of the Holy Innocents

O God, Whose praise the martyred innocents did this day proclaim, not by
speaking, but by dying, do to death in us all the malice of sinfulness,
that our lives may also proclaim Thy faith, which our tongues profess.
Through our Lord Jesus Christ Thy Son. Who liveth and reigneth with
Thee. in the unity of the Holy Ghost, God, world without end. R. Amen.

EPISTLE Acts 6: 8-10; 7: 54-58

And Stephen, full of grace and fortitude,
did great wonders and signs among the people. Now there arose some, of
that which is called the synagogue of the Libertines and of the
Cyrenians and of the Alexandrians and of them that were of Cilicia and
Asia, disputing with Stephen. And they were not able to resist the
wisdom and the spirit that spoke. Now hearing these things, they were
cut to the heart: and they gnashed with their teeth at him. But he,
being full of the Holy Ghost, looking up steadfastly to heaven, saw the
glory of God and Jesus standing on the right hand of God. And he said:
Behold, I see the heavens opened and the Son of man standing on the
right hand of God. And they, crying out with a loud voice, stopped their
ears and with one accord ran violently upon him. And casting him forth
without the city. they stoned him. And the witnesses laid down their
garments at the feet of a young man, whose name was Saul. And they
stoned Stephen, invoking and saying: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit. And
falling on his knees, he cried with a loud voice, saying: Lord, lay not
his sin to their charge: And when he had said this, he fell asleep in
the Lord.

GRADUAL/ALLELUIA Psalm 118: 23, 86, 117

Princes sat, and spoke against me: and the wicked persecuted me. V.
Help me, O Lord my God: save me for Thy mercy’s sake. Alleluia,
alleluia. V. (Acts 7: 56) I see the Heavens opened, and Jesus standing
on the right hand of the power of God. Alleluia.

GOSPEL Matthew 23: 34-39

At that time Jesus said to the Scribes
and Pharisees: “Behold I send to you prophets and wise men and scribes,
and some of them you will put to death and crucify, and some you will
scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city: that upon
you may come all the just blood that hath been shed upon the earth, from
the blood of Abel the just even unto the blood of Zacharias the son of
Zacharias, whom you killed between the temple and the altar. Amen I say
to you, all these things shall come upon this generation. Jerusalem,
Jerusalem, thou that killest the prophets, and stonest them that are
sent unto thee, how often would I have gathered together thy children as
the hen doth gather her chickens under her wings, and thou wouldst not?
Behold your house shall be left to you desolate. For I say to you, you
shall not see me henceforth, till you say: Blessed is He that cometh in
the name of the Lord.”

OFFERTORY ANTIPHON Acts 6: 5; 7: 58

The Apostles chose Stephen to be a
levitek, a man full of faith and of the Holy Ghost: whom the Jews
stoned, invoking and saying: Lord Jesus, receive my spirit, alleluia.

SECRET

Receive, O Lord, our gifts, in
commemoration of Thy Saints: that as suffering made them glorious, so
our devotion may render us innocent. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy
Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost,
one God World without end. R.Amen.

Commemoration of St John

Receive, O Lord, the gifts we bring to Thee on the feast of him, by
whose pleading we hope to be delivered. Through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy
Ghost, one God Forever and ever. R.Amen.

Commemoration of the Holy Innocents

Let not the gracious prayer of Thy saints fail us, O Lord, both to
render our offerings acceptable to Thee and ever to obtain Thy pardon
for us. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth
with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God World without end.
R.Amen.

PREFACE of the Nativity

It is truly meet and just, right and for
our salvation, that we should at all times and in all places, give
thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God, for
through the Mystery of the Word made flesh, the new light of Thy glory
hath shone upon the eyes of our mind, so that while we acknowledge God
in visible form, we may through Him be drawn to the love things
invisible. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Thrones and
Dominations, and with all the hosts of the heavenly army, we sing the
hymn of The glory, evermore saying:

HOLY, HOLY, HOLY…

COMMUNION ANTIPHON Psalms 97: 3

I see the Heavens opened, and Jesus
standing on the right hand of the power of God: Lord Jesus, receive my
spirit, and lay not this sin to their charge.

POSTCOMMUNION

May the mysteries we have received, O
Lord, help us, and through the intercession of blessed Stephen, Thy
Martyr, establish us by Thine everlasting protection. Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God Forever and
ever. R. Amen.

Commemoration of St John

We who have been refreshed by heavenly food and drink, humbly entreat
Thee, O our God, that we may be strengthened also by the prayers of him,
in whose commemoration we have received them. Through our Lord Jesus
Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in the unity of the
Holy Ghost, one God Forever and ever. R. Amen.

Commemoration of the Holy Innocents

May the votive gifts, O Lord, of which we have partaken, through the
intercession of the Saints gain for us help, both for this life and life
eternal. Through our Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and
reigneth with Thee in the unity of the Holy Ghost, one God Forever and
ever. R. Amen.

For information on the spirituality and devotions for today's feast, not just the Mass Prayers, please click here.

Traditional Propers:

INTROIT Isaiah 9:6A Child is born to us, and a son is given to us; upon his shoulder is supreme sovereignty, and his name shall be called the Angel of great counsel. Ps. 97:1. Sing a new canticle to the Lord, for He has done wondrous things. V. Glory be . . .

COLLECT - O God, it was through the Motherhood of the Blessed Virgin Mary that You bestowed the gift of eternal life upon mankind. Grant that we may feel the powerful intercession of Mary, through whom we were privileged to receive the giver of life, Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord; who lives and rules with You . . .

EPISTLETitus 2:11-15Beloved: The grace of God our Saviour hath appeared to all men: Instructing us, that, denying ungodliness and worldly desires, we should live soberly and justly and godly in this world, looking for the blessed hope and coming of the glory of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ. Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity and might cleanse to himself a people acceptable, a pursuer of good works. These things speak and exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no man despise thee.

GRADUALPs. 97:3-4, 2All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. Sing joyfully to God, all the earth. V. The Lord has made His salvation known; in the sight of the nations He has revealed His justice.

Alleluia, alleluia! V. Heb. 1:1-2God, who in divers manners spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all in these days has spoken to us by His Son. Alleluia!

GOSPEL Luke 2:21At that time, when eight days were fulfilled for the circumcision of the Child, His name was called Jesus, the name given to Him by the Angel before He was conceived in the womb.

OFFERTORY Ps. 88:12, 15Yours are the heavens and Yours are the earth; the world and its fullness You have founded. Justice and judgment are the foundation of Your throne.

PREFACE (Preface of the Nativity) - It it truly meet and just, right and for our salvation, that we should at all times, and in all places, give thanks unto Thee, O holy Lord, Father almighty, everlasting God, for through the Mystery of the Word made flesh, the new light of Thy glory hath shone upon the eyes of our mind, so that while we acknowledge God in visible form, we may through Him be drawn to the love of things invisible. And therefore with Angels and Archangels, with Throne and Dominations, and with all the hosts of the heavenly army, we sing the hymn of Thy glory, evermore saying:

COMMUNIONPs. 97:3All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God.

POST COMMUNION - O Lord, may this Communion cleanse us from sin, and bestow on us spiritual health from heaven through the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God. Through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord . . .

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About Me

Matthew is a Third Order Dominican living in Chicago. Matthew's personal interests include seeking a preservation of traditional Catholicism as practiced before the Second Vatican Council. He exclusively attends the Traditional Latin Mass.

Matthew is a Certified Catechist and is a speaker at various conferences around the country. He is also the author of several books including "How to Create a Catholic Blog," "Understanding the Precepts of the Church," and "Eschatology: The Catholic Study of the Four Last Things." Matthew spends his leisure time traveling, teaching, writing, and enjoying culture.